Sphere of influence and sphere of interest are two important concepts in psychology that help us understand the extent of control and influence over various aspects of our lives. By implementing this lesson in your life, you can reduce your stress and increase your sense of control over your life.
Sphere of influence
Sphere of influence indicates areas and situations that one has control over or in which he can make decisions that directly affect and influence the outcome. It can be about relationships, career, education, physical and mental health or finances. By focusing on the areas that fall within the sphere of influence, we can take control of our lives and make positive changes. In psychology, the sphere of influence is often considered to be an important factor in overall well-being and the happiness of man. Paying attention to our sphere of influence and actively working to improve our relationships, health or personal life can increase feelings of control and happiness.
Sphere of interest
On the other hand, the sphere of interest concerns areas that cannot be directly influenced by humans, but they still influence him in some way. These can be natural disasters, global issues, climate change, politics and social justice issues. But also what the company culture is like or what the relationships are like at work. Such things worry or care about a person even though he has no direct control over them. In psychology it can have a sphere of interest significant impact on a person's mental health and well-being. Especially if he feels overwhelmed by issues that matter to him.
Distinguish what you can and cannot influence
It is important to distinguish between these two spheres. It helps to understand where we should focus our time, energy and resources. And also to realize where our thoughts and attention lie. By focusing on my sphere of influence, I can maximize my ability to affect change and improve my life. By being aware of my sphere of interest, I can reduce stress and anxiety because I am not trying to control the uncontrollable. Focusing too much on a realm of concern outside of our control can lead to feelings of anxiety, helplessness, dissatisfaction, and stress.
How to use the concept of sphere of influence and sphere of interest in practice
- Focus on your sphere of influence: Identify the areas of your life that you have control over and take steps to improve them. It can be, for example, practical self-care, improving relationships or setting achievable goals.
- Limit the flow of messages that relate to your sphere of influence: Although it is important to be informed, excessive exposure to negative news and events can increase feelings of stress and anxiety. Consider whether you should limit the amount of messages. Try to focus on positive and solution-oriented messages.
- Take action in an area that interests you: Instead of feeling overwhelmed, look for ways to make a positive impact on the things that matter to you. This can include volunteering or supporting your favorite organizations.
- Practice awareness: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing help you stay present and reduce stress by allowing you to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or future.
- Find support: Talking to friends, family or a mental health professional can help you process your thoughts and feelings and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Concrete examples from practice
Example 1 – Your bus is late every day. Classic sphere of interest. This situation directly affects you - you come to work late and you have problems because of it. You're not going to do much with it, are you? You can argue with the driver or complain to the transport company, but it probably won't change much. What with this? Influence what you can influence - take a different or earlier connection.
Example 2 – You drive to work and in the morning you have an empty tank. So you have to refuel and that will delay you. You also come to work late and you have a problem with that too. But this is about the sphere of influence. Whether or not you have refueled is fully under your control.
I could go on like this. We all have many situations in our lives in which we have or have no control. At work, it is often friction with colleagues. Maybe you know it, someone acts like … (insert whatever). This of course affects you. You can somehow "train" the person, try to change or hint, but the change will most likely not happen. The only thing you can influence in such a situation is your reaction to his or her behavior. Your reaction is within your sphere of influence. How someone behaves (to you) is a sphere of interest. Yes, you can start with yourself, set an example and show the direction. But that's a topic for another article.
Want more examples? Are you annoyed by an incompetent colleague from another department? Yes? So that's the area of interest. Colleagues complain about your subordinate? Sphere of influence.
What could be an example from personal life? Is your partner, partner, husband, wife or child not behaving according to your expectations? Yes, that's exactly the area of interest.
Conclusion
Sphere of influence and sphere of interest are one of the basic tools for personal growth and development. They help to understand one's thoughts, emotions and actions. By becoming aware of these spheres and focusing on our sphere of influence, we can take control of our lives, improve our well-being and positively influence both our own lives and the world around us.
